He approached the location several times in the early hours and waited until there was no one around before he threw the bag of meat onto the steps of the mosque, according to a police statement.

He then allegedly made off heading towards Rock Street.

Police said: "The suspect is described as a white bearded man, in his late 30s, 5ft 9ins tall of medium build.

"He was wearing a light coloured woollen hat, a light coloured coat with a folded down collar and light coloured trousers. He wore dark black shoes."

Police were called to the mosque in the early hours of the morning after a man allegedly threw rotten meat over the gate (Image: Met Police)

Detective Inspector Ralph Coates, of Islington Community Safety Unit, said: "We take hate crime extremely seriously as we know how destructive these offences can be, both to individuals and to communities.

"I would urge anyone who recognises this man or has any information that will help the investigation to contact police."

Police are hoping to identify and speak to this man in connection with the incident (Image: Met Police)

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise or may have witnessed the man shown on CCTV.

Anyone with information about the incident or who can identify the man is asked to contact Islington Community Safety Unit on 020 7421 0281 or alternatively call 101 quoting CRIS 2712630/16. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.